vaksy Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 I have had 4 chickens for 2 weeks now, none of them laying (about 19 weeks) and one of them this morning has not yet come out the house, the others are busy in the garden. She hasn't had any water or food or laid an egg it is now after lunch and i am worried? Please help? Following on from the above the hen has now come but one of the others is pecking at her and she seems very quiet? What could be wrong, they have all been getting on quite well until now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 You really need to get her out to give her a full examination. The other chickens may be bullying her as they can sense that she is unwell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaksy Posted July 16, 2010 Author Share Posted July 16, 2010 Is there anything in particular to look for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 Here *[*click*] is a guide on how to do a basic health check. Check her vent and look for lice around there too. Also gently check for any abdominal swelling, swollen, overly empty or squishy crop. Report back and let us know if you find anything. What is their worm status? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vaksy Posted July 16, 2010 Author Share Posted July 16, 2010 She seems a bit better now, i noticed the crop seemed slightly enlarged so went to get some vegatable oil (as recommended in my book. Would this be suitable?) but by the time i got back she was pecking away at the grass and seems a bit better. Should i still be worried? Thanks for all yor help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 I think I would just observe her for now. A daily once over will give you an early indication should anything change. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
capper Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 Hope your chicken has picked up a bit more today but it may be that at 19 wks she may be preparing to lay her first egg and is making her feel a bit off, I notice with one of mine she goes quiet and off her food a day before she lays a really big egg - mine are a lot older and more experienced at it but sometimes when I see how big her egg is I am not surprised she went quiet! It is a worry and as long as you know you have had a good look and feel of her with no concerns and your up to date with your worming there is not much more you can do apart from keep your eye on her. Are your other birds actually pecking her or just giving her a groom? Good luck and let us know how she gets on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
